NIA Will Investigate The Attack On Indian High Commission In London
The Indian high commission will investigate last month's unruly act by pro-Khalistanis.
NIA Will Investigate The Attack On Indian High Commission In London
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the case investigation. CTCR previously handled the case. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) order, the anti-terror agency filed a First Information Report (FIR).
Delhi Police filed an FIR under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), and the agency has taken over the investigation. After meeting last week with UK representatives, the MHA handed over the case to the NIA.
A source familiar with the development told RT that a special NIA team, including a Deputy Inspector General, may visit London soon. In London, march 19, protesters waved separatist Khalistani flags and chanted pro-Khalistani slogans while grabbing the Tricolour atop the Indian High Commission.
At the protest, pro-Khalistani elements tore down the national flag. As seen in videos, some protesters carried the yellow and black Khalistan flag and demanded the freedom of radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh.
Video footage shows one of the protesters climbing onto a balcony and removing the Indian flag from a pole at the front of the high commission to cheers from other protesters.
After British police arrived, protestors were prevented from approaching the Indian high commission’s entrance. According to the videos, protesters abused Indian officials inside.
The Centre passed a new amendment to the NIA Act in August, giving the agency the authority to investigate terror activities against Indians and Indian interests abroad, in addition to cybercrime and human trafficking.
During the fifth India-UK Home Affairs Dialogue on April 12, India expressed concern that Pro-Khalistani elements were misusing the UK’s asylum status to aid and abet terrorist activities.
It requested that the UK and Pakistan cooperate more, monitor Pro-Khalistan extremists in the UK more, and take appropriate proactive measures. The Indian High Commission was also breached, which upset India.
A few days ago, the Ministry of Home Affairs handed the case to the NIA. Anti-terror agency filed First Information Report (FIR) under the direction of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) had previously been invoked by Delhi Police when the incident occurred, and the agency had taken over the investigation. After meeting with UK representatives last week, the MHA forwarded the case to the NIA.
There are expected to be special NIA teams in London very soon, including one with the rank of Deputy Inspector General, according to a source familiar with the situation. Khalistani flags were waved, and pro-Khalistani slogans were chanted by protesters on March 19.
It is believed that pro-Khalistani elements tore down the national flag during the protest. Several protesters were carrying Khalistan flags during videos of the incident and call for Amritpal Singh to be freed being heard.
In front of the high commission, one of the protesters climbed onto a balcony and removed the Indian flag. The Indian High Commission’s entrance was blocked off by British police officers who arrived on the scene.
There was video evidence of protesters abusing Indian officials and shouting slogans during the protest. In August 2019, the Centre amended the NIA Act, expanding the agency’s jurisdiction to investigate terror activities against Indians and Indian interests abroad.
Pro-Khalistani activists burned the Tricolour on March 19 at the Indian High Commission in London. Taking legal action was requested by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
A request for an explanation of the complete lack of security during the protest was also sent to the British Deputy High Commissioner by the Centre. British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, called the incident a disgrace.
A scheduled offence has been committed under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008. According to the order, the gravity of this offence and its interconnections with the national and international levels requires that the NIA investigate it.
Last week, nine Indian officials expressed concern about terrorist attacks being carried out with the assistance of the British asylum program.
Last month, the Ministry of External Affairs said it expects hosts to identify and prosecute those involved and take other measures to prevent another incident. Our missions, as well as our personnel working overseas, need complete and adequate protection from host governments.
